Fiber Optic Cleaning Products Guide
How to Clean Fiber Optic Connectors
In this Tech Tip, we talk about why cleaning fiber optic connections is critical to system integrity.
Products used in this video:
How to Clean an OTDR Port
In this Tech Tip, we talk about why it is important to always clean your OTDR port before testing. We also review the simple steps it takes to record an accurate reading.
Products used in this video:
FIBER OPTIC CLEANING PRODUCTS AND PROCEDURES
“INSPECT BEFORE YOU CONNECT”
Dirty connectors will slow down your network. Clean fiber optic components are a requirement for any fiber installation. Any type of contamination will at least cause some degree of reflectance and possibly prevent the proper fiber to fiber connection. It cannot be stressed enough. Always clean and then check your cleaning. This is essential to keep quality connections. These particles can degrade the glass surface. This in turn will degrade the signal. It is imperative to always inspect all fiber connections before any mating. Most failures in a fiber optic network are due to connector contamination. Do not assume a new connector is clean. Any time you are working with fiber optics in your network, cleaning your fiber optic connectors is an extremely important step. You should always inspect and then clean your connectors before you make any connection. Cleaning your fiber first will help you accurately troubleshoot your fiber optic network connection. Contamination will reduce your signal strength. So many times, installers spend extra money and time replacing patch cords and cable runs when a good cleaning would have improved the transmission signal. Cables and connectors should be cleaned for every test. Anytime the connector is exposed to air it can become contaminated by air alone. Not cleaning is a sure way to cause a higher loss in your installation. The incorrect cleaning process will cut down on the bandwidth that can pass through the fiber. The rule is inspect, clean and inspect.
Isopropyl Alcohol
This product has been the standard for cleaning fiber optics for many years. Isopropyl Alcohol is extremely effective for communication fiber optic cleaning. It easily removes offending dirt and can resolve many issues with your fiber optic installation. It can be used for any style connector, fiber optic patch cables or OTDR ports. The following are a few facts about isopropyl alcohol, how it affects fiber cleaning and what should be considered before deciding if it should be your fiber optic cleaning product of choice. REMEMBER: Never use anything but a lint free or low lint wipe. Never use cotton swabs or a random cloth to clean fiber optic connectors. Using your shirt to wipe down a connector is certainly not standard procedure. Always inspect connections after cleaning to make sure your cleaning was successful.
Cleaning your fiber first can help you accurately troubleshoot your fiber optic network connection. So many times installers spend extra money and time replacing patch cords and cable runs when a good cleaning would have improved the transmission signal.
- 99% pure Isopropyl Alcohol is an anhydrous solution. Anhydrous means that the alcohol is free of water. Since 99% Isopropyl Alcohol does not contain water, the alcohol will absorb water from the air, diluting the purity levels. As the amount of water increases the alcohol purity is reduced. Alcohol that is not 99% pure can leave behind residue and water on the connector end face.
- 99% Isopropyl Alcohol does have shipping restrictions on quantity and shipping method and it is not always available in certain regions of the world. Chemical solvent cleaners have become more popular in the fiber optic industry.
Fiber Optic Cleaning Wipes
There are a couple types of wipes that are used in cleaning fiber optics. Low-lint and non-woven wipes can be used in the wet to dry method of cleaning end-faces. These products are highly absorbent allowing them to be used for cleaning of fiber optic connectors.
- Low Lint Optical Wipes - These wipes are usually made from a cellulose based material which may leave behind minimal lint or contaminants. Low lint wipes can be used with Isopropyl Alcohol or other cleaning solutions.
- Non-Woven Dry Optical Wipes - These wipes are designed to provide superior cleaning for fiber optic connector ferrules without the risk of scratching the fiber end face. Non-Woven wipes are lint free which eliminates any contaminants being left behind on the connector. Non-Woven wipes can be used dry, with Isopropyl Alcohol or other cleaning solutions.
Wet to Dry Method for
Fiber Optic Cleaning
Using a combination wet to dry cleaning method is the recommended and the preferred way to perform connector end face cleaning. This combination process of cleaning is a common technique used in the industry. First, deposit a small drop of Isopropyl Alcohol onto the clean wipe. You can use either non-woven or low lint wipes. Next take the connector face and wipe in a straight line from the alcohol right across to the dry area of the cloth. It is very important that you pull straight across. Any additional or different type of motion can introduce contaminants and deposit additional debris on to the end face. Inspect to see if the cleaning was successful. Do not assume that you have a clean connector.
Dry Fiber Optic Connector Cleaners
Dry Connector Cleaners are available in many different styles and sizes. The cleaning material is usually made with a cellulose polyester blend that is designed to remove contamination without leaving behind lint. With this method it can be more difficult to remove contaminants than the Wet to Dry method of cleaning. As mentioned above, not using a preferred wet cleaner to help loosen up the contaminant can cause further issues. In addition, a static charge may be created by using this method. This static charge can cause dust and debris to be pulled onto the connector end face. As always, you need to inspect your work with a fiber microscope or probe.
- Several different manufacturers exist for this product including Fiber Instrument Sales, Cletop, Opti-Pop, and IBC. Be sure to know the exact model when ordering refill cartridges.
Fiber Optic Bulkhead One Click Cleaners
Another type of dry cleaner is the One Click Cleaner. One Click Cleaners are designed to clean ferrules (male) as well as bulkhead adapters (female). One Click Cleaners are small, versatile, and they are less expensive than other dry cleaning products. They are also more convenient when you need to clean large numbers of connections. They automatically advance after each cleaning and are usually good for at least 500 uses before they must be discarded. As always, you need to inspect your work with a fiber microscope or probe.
- You must make sure you have the correct One Click Cleaner for the specific connector you will be cleaning.
- Certain types of connectors including TFOCA II military grade connectors require specialized One Click Cleaners.
FIBER OPTIC CLEANING TIP:
One Click Cleaners are a great way to keep OTDR ferrules clean.
Just take the One Click, insert it into the adapter, give it a push, listen for the click and you are done.
It's that simple!
Cleaning Products Menu
This is a fast-acting, quick evaporating, no residue fiber cleaner. This solution can be used with dry fiber wipes or tissues. It removes a variety of contaminants from optical fibers prior to fiber optic splicing and termination. Cleans connector ferrules as well.
Great for cleaning contaminated, recessed areas. Use wet or dry. Whether cleaning inside bulkheads/mating sleeves, or connector end faces, these swabs will help get the job done easily. Various sizes to choose from.
Before removing fiber optic connectors for inspection or cleaning make sure the area around the connector is free from dirt. Includes removable extension nozzle which provides a powerful blast of air to help remove contamination from inaccessible areas. Momentary on/off switch. Colorless, odorless, moisture-free.
One Click Cleaners feature a novel, dry cleaning strand to gently sweep and lift away dust and debris from the connector end face that eliminates the need to use solvents for an effective clean. A simple pushing motion to engage the tool, an audible CLICK to alert the operator that the tool is fully engaged, and the dust cap is attached by a lanyard to prevent losing it. This One Click cleaner will remove contaminants such as graphite, hand lotions, skin oils and road dust.
Piano wire is a smart way to save a connector when the fiber breaks inside a ferrule. It is an excellent tool to remove broken fiber from bare fiber adapters. Also used to apply epoxy to the protruding fiber in the connectorization process. Sticky colored tabs provided to help hold the wire.
Safety first. The fiber optic disposal unit is a handy way to dispose of those sharp, cleaved fiber ends. Perfect for onsite installers. The large snap-on, hinged cover provides a safe way to easily dispose of fiber stubs.
This product has been the standard for cleaning fiber optics for many years. 99% ACS Reagent Grade.
Get great cleaning results for contaminated fiber optic components. No residue. Non spill plastic container. Pump helps control amount dispensed.
Non-woven lint free optical grade wipes can be used alone or with alcohol or cleaning solvents. Provides superior cleaning of fiber optic connector ferrules without risk of scratching. No lint residue. Outstanding particle entrapment.
Apply matching gel to reduce optical loss within fiber mechanical splices. It is applied at the interface. Reduces the index of refraction.
Fast evaporating alcohol pre-moistened wipes can be used with optical fiber to remove dirt, dust and oils.
Product Contains: Isopropanol
Used when cleaning fiber or fiber optic connector end faces for increased transmission performance 99% ACS Reagent Grade.
These inexpensive low-lint tissues can be used with cleaning solvents. Non-abrasive for highly polished surfaces. Cleans ferrule end-faces. Helps prepare fibers for termination and splicing.